I didn't taken lexapro, but tamoxifen I took for 10 weeks. I have been on amitriptyline for 40 years. Take 25 mg at bedtime to keep Chronic Fatigue Syndrome away. It isn't addictive. I know because when in my 20s I took same med for depression. After 8 years I stopped cold turkey with no problem at all and stayed off for many years. Until 40 years ago I got CFS. Restarted the med and it got my CFS under control. I will keep taking it until I die. It's an old drug, but effective drug. By the way, I'm old, in case you haven't figured it out.

MeryW....I have taken Effexor/Venlafaxine for about 30 yrs, sometimes replacing with something else, but always go back to Effexor. My issue is anxiety and this med seems to work best for me. But presently I am slowly replacing the Effesor with Mirtazapine, as read it has no sexual side effects. Been about 2 weeks. I also take CBD/CBN oil which very much helps with sleep and so far has no side effects other than not giving a shit about the future. I do think CBD oil might be a great addition when attempting to lower or change medications. Good luck!

Good luck to you.

Try Zoloft and Wellbutrin. You might even add Buspar. They work well for me and have been taking them for years.
What is going on in this country these days is something no antidepressant is going to be effective at combating.
Try reading Heather Cox Richardsons daily column. At least she can help make sense for what is keeping you up at night. There is no drug out there that works on anxiety regarding our countries erosion of democracy on a daily basis.
Good luck to you.

First of all let me say I am so sorry for your struggles. I particularly relate to the insomnia as I have had sleep issues since my childhood (I’m 78) and it’s even worse after my husbands passing in Feb. I finally gave up on sleep medication as many of them caused balance issues and some even vision problems. I now take melatonin (10 mg) and find it helps me go back to sleep which is good as I wake up every 1-2 hours. A friend recommended I try valerian. I often wonder which comes first insomnia or depression. I might suggest you get tested for sleep apnea if you have not as it can cause numerous awakenings.

I could not take Lexapro, however Celera worked fine. Have you tried anything more calming.

Is celexa
More calming ?

So sorry to hear what you’re going through. I’ve been there - sort of. No kids but anxiety and panic attacks for many years. I had it under control but lost a family member that was very dear to me during Covid. I spiraled down to a severe depression, panic attacks and agoraphobia. Zoloft had been my saving grace for over 20 years. My PCP finally talked me into switching to Pristiq. I’m better but still battling insomnia. Recently started hydroxyzine at night. Its really helped me fall asleep, stay asleep and had knocked the anxiety down a notch. Non addictive and can be taken as needed.

While I don’t have good answers for you. Some of us need medication to moderate the serotonin, dopamine and cortisol. I’ll likely be on some anti-depressant forever. Talk to your doctor. Counseling sometimes helps. Support groups and talking to people who understand (like us!) helps a lot. Helps us to realize we aren’t losing our minds and there’s hope.

The only other advice I have is to really watch your diet. Whole, natural food really helps. Junk food, processed food, sugar, nitrites and nitrates all exacerbate anxiety and other health issues. Drink water! Water. Water. Eliminate soda. Watch caffeine intake.

Best of luck to you and let us know how we can help support you and get you through this.

Try Zoloft in combination with Wellbutrin. Zoloft is very effective and well tolerated by most people. Wellbutrin is really not a stand alone drug but it works well with Zoloft. They actually called the combination Welloft.
Good luck.

1st of all, you are not alone. Some people need meds for life. No shame in that. If you have a seizure disorder, you need meds for life, or RA, MS, an entire list of diseases that can be relieved with treatment. So, see a shrink and get on a mild antidepressant, not anything drastic at 1st if you can help it. See what your doctor says, ask about the side effects. If you don't like that doctor then see a different one until you find one who genuinely seems to care about helping you through. I can remember being depressed since I was 10 years old. After a suicide attempt in my early 30's I agreed to take an antidepressant. I have never stopped taking them. I had to switch a couple of times, but they had stopped working. Remember, once you find the right med for you it's okay to take meds, especially if they make you feel better. I have been living a happy life and it's been 40 years since that awful day. please get help, don't accept meds that don't help. Also, most of them can give you an "out of body" feeling at 1st, but that will go away. Give it a month or 2 and see if you don't feel better. Also, adding cbd or thc to prescription meds can be tricky. If you decide to continue let your doctors know that you are taking them and what for. They might have a better option that's covered by your insurance plan.
I do hope you feel better. Good luck to you.